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Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Support
At London Bridge Therapy, we often hear this question: “Do I need therapy or would coaching be more appropriate?” It’s a great question — and an important one. While therapy and coaching share similarities, such as providing a safe, structured space for self-reflection and growth, they have distinct aims, methods, and outcomes.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which might be the right fit for you.
What Is Therapy?
Psychological therapy (also known as counselling or psychotherapy) is a clinical process led by a trained mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychotherapist. It focuses on understanding and healing psychological distress, emotional difficulties, and patterns rooted in past experiences.
Therapy may be right for you if:
- You’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma
- You feel “stuck” in unhelpful relational or behavioural patterns
- You’re processing grief, loss, or unresolved childhood experiences
- You want to explore your identity, attachment style, or emotional world in depth
- You’re seeking long-term change from the inside out
Therapy can be a deeply transformative process. At London Bridge Therapy, our approach is relational, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based psychological models. It’s about more than symptom reduction — it’s about creating lasting emotional wellbeing.
What Is Coaching?
Coaching is a forward-focused, goal-oriented process that helps you clarify your aspirations and take practical steps toward them. While therapy explores the “why,” coaching is often more about the “how.”
Coaching may be right for you if:
- You’re not in significant emotional distress but feel blocked or unfulfilled
- You want to build confidence, change careers, or improve performance
- You’re navigating a life transition and want support to move forward
- You’re seeking greater clarity, motivation, or accountability
- You prefer structured sessions with action plans and measurable goals
At London Bridge Therapy, our coaching services are delivered by qualified psychologists who understand the psychological foundations behind motivation, behaviour, and change — so you get both insight and strategy.
Therapy vs Coaching: A Simple Analogy
Think of therapy as helping you clean and heal a wound, while coaching is more like training for a marathon. Sometimes you need one, sometimes the other — and sometimes both, in different seasons of life.
Can I Do Both?
Yes, absolutely. Some clients start with therapy to process past issues, then transition into coaching to build on the emotional resilience they’ve gained. Others may work with a therapist and coach at the same time, focusing on different areas.
At London Bridge Therapy, we’ll help you find the right fit — and if your needs change over time, your support can adapt too.
Still unsure?
Book a free consultation and we’ll help you explore whether therapy, coaching, or a blended approach is right for you.
